Remove food, pet food, and standing water
Clean up crumbs, spills, and trash regularly
Trim plants, grass, and branches away from the house
Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points around walls, windows, and doors
Pour boiling water into visible ant nests
Use ant bait stations near trails and nests
Apply diatomaceous earth around nest areas and entry points
Sprinkle cinnamon, vinegar, or citrus peels along ant trails
Keep mulch, firewood, and debris away from the foundation
Replace damp soil and fix drainage problems
Use outdoor ant sprays or granules labeled for ants
Destroy ant hills with a shovel if safe to do so
Call a pest control professional for large or recurring infestations